Abstract: Apparatus and systems for a fire resistant rated fenestration including curtain wall systems for multiple story buildings capable of withstanding a seismic load. Fire resistant panels are mounted in a fire resistant mullion where the mullion may be one element, or may have an inner structural shell and an outer shell. A barrier of fire resistant material is disposed between the inner and outer shells. A sealer compound or a fire resistant compressible filler seals the space between the mullion and the fire resistant panels. The inner structural shell member is connected to an elastic panel fastener that is connected at its opposite end to fire resistant panels. The fastener allows the fire resistant panels to move in response to a seismic load without damage to the mullion or panels.

Abstract: A rail profile is provided with two connection zones (1) situated opposite to each other and having an essentially C-shaped cross-section and a rear wall (4) with an essentially V-shaped cross-section. The structural height (a) of the rail profile is minimal because of the rear wall (4) design and consequently the handling of the rail profile is enhanced.

Abstract: A curtain wall including a plurality of mullions each having a pair of glazing pockets, an I-section for supporting an interior trim member and protrusions for supporting an exterior trim member. The curtain wall further includes a plurality of rails including a notched section for insertion into the mullion glazing pockets, and a plurality of protrusions for supporting interior and exterior trim members. A bead having a plurality of protrusions is connected to the mullion in a lengthwise direction thereof, and supports the interior trim member. A plurality of retainers are insertable into notches in the mullions, the beads or the rails for removably retaining glazing infill components (i.e. panels, windows, doors) in the curtain wall. The curtain wall design of the present invention allows for the glazing infill components to be installed and/or removed from either the front side or the back side of the curtain wall.

Abstract: A glazing support system comprises first and second members. Each member has at least one wing. The members are engageable to trap a glazing panel between the wings. The first and second members are moulded of plastics material.

Abstract: A window assembly for garage doors with hingedly mounted panels. The assembly includes resilient male and female frame members that are brought towards each other to sandwich the borders of the door panel defining the window opening and the cooperatively dimensioned transparent panel. The male frame member includes, adjacent to its peripheral inner end, a peripherally extending leg member that is lockingly received within a cooperative channel notch on the transparent panel. The engagement of the leg member to the channel member permits certain deformation to be transmitter to the resilient male and female frame members. Fastening members are used to keep the male and female frame members securely against each other.

Abstract: A panel door construction and a method of making it are disclosed, and the method relates to the provision of a generally rectangular board and cutting panel receiving openings in it. Beading strips are then secured to both faces of the board surrounding the openings, for clamping the marginal edges of a set of panels therebetween within the respective openings.

Abstract: A system and method of fixing a frame to a panel, that allows panels or the like to be attached to a frame and removed quickly and easily without damage to the panels, frames or their surroundings. Generally, the invention provides for a first article and a second article. The first article may have an aperture and the second article may have a groove or indentation. A first end of a connecting means may be placed in the aperture of the first article and a second end of a connecting means may be placed in the receptacle of a second article such that the forces between the receptacle and the connecting means anchor or secure the first article to the second article. The connecting means may also allow for sliding in a horizontal or vertical direction. However, the first article and second article may also be locked into place. The present invention also provides a method for the easy adjustment, hanging and replacement of paneling systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to window framing systems which use corner keys, and which seal against embossed surfaces, particularly for use in garage doors. The corner keys are insertable into hollow portions of extruded window frames and which preliminarily hold the window frame together prior to more permanent fastening within a garage door by a plurality of screws or even via a snap-fit arrangement. The angularity of at least two internal ribs of the corner key into which a fastener impinges thereupon, facilitates tightening engagement of each mitered window frame corner, leading to a superior appearance and preventing moisture from getting inside the window unit by the positioning of a sealing surface which seals on an edge of a door or panel.

Abstract: Blocks with internal capsules having superior thermal resistance, solar control qualities, projectile-resistant properties and/or sound-dampening properties are described. The blocks are comprised of a structural exterior that encompasses a capsule. The capsule may be segmented into chambers with dividers. The capsules may be designed to provide various benefits including, but not limited to, improved insulating characteristics, increased projectile resistance, and/or a range of visual, thermal and strength characteristics. Various types of blocks with internal capsules and assembled panels of block with internal capsules are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and use of the blocks and panels.

Abstract: A panel support assembly 25 comprises a post 10 having at least one elongate recess 12, rotatably supporting a respective panel receiving member 13. The panel receiving member 13 comprising a rod-like member having an internal channel 14 adapted to receive a panel 11. The recess 12 is part-cylindrical and respective panel receiving member 14 is cylindrical, partially fitting within recess 12, so as to allow relative rotation. A pair of panel support assemblies 25, with pairs of panel receiving members 13 facing each other, provides a panel fixing system for fixing a panel 11.

Abstract: A partition frame includes vertically spaced apart upper and lower horizontal frame members. The partition frame also has a pair of horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower frame members to form a generally rectangular frame. The vertical frame members have a vertical row of openings configured to support hang-on accessories, and the upper frame member includes a horizontal row of openings configured to support hang-on accessories.

Abstract: A rail system for holding a panel, such as a plate glass pane, in a door and/or wall partition. The rail system includes a housing and a clamp member having a wedging geometry so that when the clamp member is actuated with respect to the housing in a first direction, at least a portion of the clamp member will move in a clamping direction, which is different than the first direction to clamp the panel.

Abstract: A space dividing or partitioning system includes a series of panels adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel includes a panel frame constructed from a pair of vertical posts interconnected by one or more horizontal support members. Each vertical post includes a series of receptacles aligned vertically along each face surface of the vertical post. The receptacles on the vertical posts receive attachment members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. The horizontal support member can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts without requiring the vertical posts to be separated. A tile retaining hook is received within a hook opening formed in the vertical post. The tile retaining hook includes a hook portion that is received in a hook channel of a decorative tile, such that the decorative tile can be hung on the panel frame through the use of the tile retaining hooks.

Abstract: A screen assembly is adapted to connect to a partition of the type having at least one upright frame member with openings in opposite side faces thereof to receive support hooks of hang-on accessory units. The screen assembly includes a sheet member defining at least one side edge, and a bracket is connected to the sheet member adjacent the side edge. The bracket includes a first member configured to extend around at least a portion of a first side of the upright frame member. The first member includes a connector adapted to engage the openings in the first side face of the upright frame member. The bracket also includes a second member configured to extend around at least a portion of a second side of the upright frame member. The second member includes a connector adapted to engage openings in a second side face of the upright frame member.

Abstract: A metal fixture assembly for installation of vertical sidings to fix the siding to a furring, which is capable of providing a construction of the installation having excellent appearance and weathering, and a method using the metal fixture assembly to facilitate the installation. A metal fixture assembly for installation of a vertical lower siding and a vertical upper siding vertically adjacent to each other on a furring is positioned therebetween. The metal fixture assembly includes a fastening metal fixture to be fixed to the furring, an upper metal fitting provided between the fastening metal fixture and the upper siding and fittingly fixed on a bottom portion thereof, and a lower metal fitting provided between the fastening metal fixture and the lower siding and fittingly fixed on a top portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular building system. The system employs various building elements, which are interconnected by way of scarf joints. The building elements are connected to form a building module. The modules, in turn, can be interconnected to form a larger structure such as a dwelling. Additionally, the present system allows fixtures, such as window and door frames, to be incorporated into a completed dwelling. The details of the various components of the system of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A prefabricated fence post assembly comprising a slotted fence post which slideably receives an adjoining prefabricated modular panel, picket fence, lattice or ornamental section for the construction of fences, walls and other structures incorporating panels.

Abstract: A construction block has improved thermal insulation qualities and reduces or outright eliminates the effects of a seam failure. The construction block is comprised of a pair of generally parallel faces joined by a plurality of sides. A desiccant or insulation gas, or both are disposed within the interior chamber of the block. At least one baffle is disposed within the interior chamber.

Abstract: A partition wall system providing for lay-in of cables, includes a plurality of interconnected panel sections. Each panel section has a base surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the base surface and a plurality of covering skins. At least one of the covering skins is attached to each of the panel sections so that a passage is formed between the covering skin and the base surface of the panel section to allow the cables to travel through each panel section and between interconnected panel sections.

Abstract: A wall for the booth of a coating plant is formed in the conventional manner by a sectional frame (3) composed of at least two vertical, hollow posts (4, 5) and at least two horizontal, hollow crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9). At least one zone (10, 11, 12) which is bounded by two posts (4, 5) and two crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9) is covered by a plate (34, 35). The corresponding plate (34, 35) is secured over the associated zone (10, 11, 12) of the frame (3) with the aid of “local” blocking devices (15 to 27) separated from one another spatially. Each of these blocking devices (15 to 27) comprises at least one retaining portion (31b, 31c) which can be inserted in a corresponding locating opening (28a, 28b, 29a, 29b) in the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9) such that a contact portion (31a) of the blocking device (15 to 27) lies against the outside of the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A storm-resistant window includes a mechanism for preventing the blowout of a movable sash when wind pressure pulls the sash outwardly. In a single hung window having a slidable lower sash, the mechanism consists of a first rib projecting downwardly from the bottom rail of the lower sash and a second rib projecting upwardly from the top of the sill member of the window frame. In a closed position of the window, the first rib lies inwardly adjacent the second rib such that, if wind pressure pulls the movable sash outwardly, the first rib will contact the second rib, preventing the bottom rail of the movable sash from moving outwardly. In an alternate embodiment, one of the ribs may be replaced with a channel, so that the remaining rib is received in the channel in the closed position of the window.

Abstract: A wall start panel for knock-down portable partition systems of the type having a plurality of panels, each having standard width posts interconnected by structural members in a spaced-apart relationship to define a standard panel width. The wall start panel includes at least one structural member and a standard width post having a unitary construction and including a connection port. The standard width post also has opposite side faces defining a standard post width therebetween. The wall start panel further includes a wall start post having a connection port and having opposite side faces defining a width therebetween substantially less than the standard post width. The structural member spans between and releasably interconnects the standard width and wall start posts in a spaced-apart relationship. The wall start panel has a substantially standard panel width, such that the wall start post can be secured to an existing wall without use of a trim piece to close off the wall start panel.

Abstract: Two generally co-planar panels (4) are supported almost edge-to-edge by an intermediate beam (1). A coupling member (2) is captive to the beam (1) by interengaging longitudinal formations (6, 11) and provides an interlocking engagement (12, 18) for the edges of the panels (4). Opposite the coupling member (2) the beam (1) is proud of the panels (4) and receives and retains a cap (3) which seals against the panels (4).

Abstract: A structural panel, suitable for use as slatwalling in retail outlets, comprised of a metal sheet bent to define on each side of the panel a series of channels of re-entrant cross-section extending continuously across the width of the panel. The panel is manufactured by a bending process wherein a portion of sheet material is deformed into a U-shaped cross-section, and the sides of the channel are deformed by bending into a substantially S-shape to define the re-entrant channel shape, this process being repeated at regular intervals along the sheet material. The bending process is performed by tooling including first and second tool assemblies, the first assembly including a shaping part for deforming a portion of sheet material into a recess defined between a pair of opposed tool elements of the second tool assembly, the opposed tool elements being driven towards each other to deform the channel side walls into an S-shape.

Abstract: A utility shed is disclosed comprising modular side panels (30) which are connected together by corner connectors (26) and in-line connectors (28) to form sidewalls. The connectors (26, 28) have an I-beam cross section and comprise U-shaped ends (106, 80) which engage relatively wide channels (62, 64) to securely hold the wall panels together. A door assembly is provided for engaging the corner connectors (26) and include pivot pin members (202) which attached to the vertical channel (114) of corner connectors (26) and allow pivotal door panels (164) to be suspended therefrom. Floor panels (116, 118) and lid panels (154) are provided compatible with the I-beam edge configuration of the side panels (30) such that the lid, floor and sidewalls mutually interlock with high structural integrity. The modularity of the side panels (30) allow for enclosures of larger or smaller size to be created using the same panel componentry.

Abstract: A panel assembly of the present invention comprises a stringer and a plurality of sheet panels each having a curved portion extending downward at one side thereof and a curved portion extending upward at the other side thereof. The stringer has on the top thereof a plurality of panel engaging portions adjacent to one another, each having upstream side convex portion, around which the curved portion of the sheet panel extending downward is hooked, a downstream side concave portion, into which the curved portion of the sheet panel extending upward Is fitted, and a planar portion extending from the upstream side convex portion to the downstream side concave portion. The planar portion of the panel engaging portion of the stringer is inclined downward from the upstream side convex portion to the downstream side concave portion. An upper portion of the concave portion of the panel engaging portion having a groove, into which a tip end of the curved portion of the sheet panel extending upward is fitted.

Abstract: A wall panel mounting system for releasably securing a preformed wall panel to a wall. The system includes a bracket including a base portion adapted to be attached to the wall and at least one leg extending outwardly from the base portion. The wall panel includes a frame having a front surface supporting a fabric thereon, with the frame including a rear wall having a recessed slot therein adapted to receive the at least one leg therein. The at least one leg and opposing walls defining the recessed slot have an interfering engagement to releasably hold the wall panel in place on the wall.

Abstract: There is disclosed a non-progressive modular wall system for wall heights greater than eight feet that does not require excessive demolition of adjacent wall panels and framing posts above and below the moment connection, typically at the eight foot level. The wall system assembly includes framing at the moment connection comprising connector or junction blocks fastened to the ends of the framing posts. The connector blocks abut each other and are fastened together at the moment connection and allow for selective removal of the framing posts. The disclosed wall system meets the lateral load and deflection requirements for non-progressive wall systems having wall heights greater than eight feet.

Abstract: A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable office partitions and the like is adapted for floor-to-ceiling applications which include a floor track shaped to be supported on a floor surface, and a ceiling track shaped to be supported on a ceiling surface. A panel frame is supported in a normally vertical orientation between the floor track and the ceiling track. The panel frame has vertically spaced-apart upper and lower horizontal members with a pair of vertical side members interconnecting the upper and lower horizontal members and extending therebetween to define a generally quadrilateral opening. The upper horizontal member is operably connected to the ceiling track, and the lower horizontal member is operably connected with the floor track. A substantially transparent sheet is removably connected to the frame and extends across at least the portion of the opening.

Abstract: A space dividing or partitioning system includes a series of panels adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel includes a panel frame constructed from a pair of vertical posts interconnected by one or more horizontal support members. Each vertical post includes a series of receptacles aligned vertically along each face surface of the vertical post. The receptacles on the vertical posts receive attachment members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. The horizontal support member can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts without requiring the vertical posts to be separated. A tile retaining hook is received within a hook opening formed in the vertical post. The tile retaining hook includes a hook portion that is received in a hook channel of a decorative tile, such that the decorative tile can be hung on the panel frame through the use of the tile retaining hooks.

Abstract: An interior upright space-dividing wall system wherein portable upright panel assemblies are connected to one another through upright support posts, the latter having a foot for engagement with a floor. Each panel assembly includes a vertically elongate frame member which defines an upright end edge of the respective panel assembly and supports a panel connector member for joining the panel assembly to the support post. The panel connector members include upper and lower jaw members which engage in corresponding openings in a side wall of the support post. The support post includes a pair of connectors at a lower end thereof, each of which supports a lower end of one of the panel assemblies.

Abstract: A deck plank comprised of a wood replacement material. The deck plank includes a top surface, a first leg, and a second leg. The top surface has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first leg is attached to the first end portion, and the second leg is attached to the second end portion. The first leg extends downward from the top surface, and it has a tongue and an outer surface. The tongue has a first limb and a second limb which are joined together to define a recess. The outer surface defines a channel that extends along the tongue. The second leg also extends downward from the top surface, and it has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion define a groove, and the tongue is adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent, substantially similar deck plank.

Abstract: A modular wall system comprising a framing assembly supporting a plurality of wall panels. The framing assembly includes top members, bottom members, and studs extending between the top and bottom members for supporting the wall panels. Each stud has a generally rectangular cross-section with a front face, a back face, and left and right side faces. The front face has a recess therein with a longitudinally extending ridged trough therein for receiving threaded fasteners. The back face having an outwardly-opening generally C-shaped channel with a longitudinally extending ridged trough therein for receiving threaded fasteners.

Abstract: An enclosure for a room, patio, or the like is made of modular parts that hide from view all fasteners and other functional parts. The parts include upstanding regular posts, corner posts, open back posts, horizontal beams and chair rails, as well as door frames, door jambs, door sweeps, and other parts required for an enclosure construction. Aesthetic cover members are snap-fittingly engaged to the modular parts and confronting pairs of the cover members, in a first embodiment, are very closely spaced to one another to accommodate a screen between them. In second and third embodiments, the confronting cover members have larger spaces between them to accommodate opaque, translucent, or transparent panels of about one-half inch and three-quarter inches, respectively.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly having a U-shaped channel for receiving a shielding panel, and a rotatable cam co-operating with the channel to releasably clamp the shielding panel to the channel.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: A tongue and groove deck plank made from a wood replacement material. The deck plank is substantially hollow, and generally rectangular. It has a horizontal top and bottom, a tongue on one edge, and a groove on the other. When the tongue of one deck plank and the groove of another are placed next to one another, a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove. A deck may be made from the deck planks. The deck has a support, and at least one wood replacement deck plank attached to the support. The deck preferably includes a starter strip attached to the support.

Abstract: An interlocking building block includes a block fastening system having a male coupling element and a female receptacle which cooperate together to secure a first block to a second block. The male coupling element includes a male interlocking element and a pedestal element for supporting the interlocking element at a fixed distance from the block sidewall. The female receptacle includes first and second female interlocking elements and spaced apart first and second female pedestal elements which support each female interlocking element.

Abstract: A new Aluminum Framed Window Molding for insulating and preventing condensation on the metal frames of metal (e.g. aluminum) framed windows. The inventive device includes a horizontal member positioned above the metal window guide member of the metal framed window with the window seal end of the horizontal member abutting the window glass member of the metal framed window. A sill extension member is attached to the horizontal member and has a sill seal end which abuts the sill. An inner vertical member is disposed within a U-shaped channel defined by the metal window guide member and is attached to the bottom side of the horizontal member. A secondary sealing clip member may be included which is attached either to the sill extension member or the horizontal member. An outer vertical member disposed within the U-shaped channel and attached to the bottom side of the horizontal member may also be included.

Abstract: In a sash frame structure for attaching a glass in which a glass is supported in glass attachment channels formed to respective frame members constituting a sash frame by first side seal members and second side seal members disposed on the opposite sides of the glass, the glass is so provided as not to be scattered in pieces even if it is broken. A seal member fitting groove is formed to each of the frame members adjacently to the glass attachment channel, and an engaging portion is formed to the inner surface of the glass attachment channel on the side adjacent to the seal member fitting groove.

Abstract: A modular wall construction includes a plurality of laterally spaced support posts having mutually spaced slots in commonly facing walls thereof, each slot being at least partially defined by oppositely disposed first and second edge segments. At least one panel is arranged between the support posts. In one embodiment, connecting elements are integrally formed with and extend laterally from the panel to overlie the commonly facing walls of the support posts at the slots. In an alternative embodiment, connecting elements are removably coupled to extend laterally from the panel to overlie the commonly facing walls of the support posts at the slots. The connecting elements have hook shaped portions received in the slots in engagement with the first edge segments thereof. A fastener extends into the slots between the connecting element and the second edge segments to coact in engagement with the slot and connecting element to prevent disengagement of the hook portions from the first edge segments.

Abstract: A face mounting infilling system for walls and linings of buildings. The infilling elements are designed at their ends in such a way that they may be clamped to the upper edges of lower linking units, which in turn are designed in such a way that upper linking units may be snap-locked thereon.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: A glazing system for a sliding glass door includes an existing glass pane and an existing door frame having an existing door frame upper surface and having a glass receiving channel recessed into the existing door frame upper surface, the system including a reinforced glass pane having a pane inner face for orienting toward the interior of a building and a pane outer face for orienting toward the outside of a building and having a transparent, shatter-proof film secured onto the pane inner face with a film securing mechanism, and a mounting structure having a mounting member with a member anchoring portion for securing into the channel with an anchoring portion securing mechanism and a pane mounting flange having a flange inner face for directing toward the interior of a building and a flange outer face for directing toward the outside of a building, the film being secured to the flange outer face with a pane securing structure.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly having a U-shaped channel for receiving a shielding panel, and a rotatable cam co-operating with the channel to releasably clamp the shielding panel to the channel.

Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.

Abstract: A frame made of moldable material is described for retaining a closure member, such as a window, in a door or wall opening. The frame is formed by interconnecting a peripheral main frame member, an outer peripheral casing connecting molding and inner peripheral sash connecting molding. The main frame member has an outer sash section, a side jamb section and an inner casing section. The outer casing connecting molding is adapted to be snappingly secured to the main frame member to clampingly retain the main frame member to a frame forming the opening. The inner sash connecting molding is adapted to be snappingly secured to the main frame member and has a bridge wall section to abut against a peripheral section of the closure member to retain it captive between the outer sash section and the inner sash connecting molding.

Abstract: A translucent block assembly, for use in a decorative wall, window or the like in a building, has a connector extrusion for connecting juxtaposed translucent blocks in an opening of a frame having a recess extending around the opening. The connector extrusion has an alignment projection fitting snugly into gaps in the peripheries of the blocks for aligning the blocks and abutment faces for abutment with the blocks, and also has outwardly facing side faces engaging snugly in the recess.

Abstract: A screen combination includes two side beams and an upper beam and a lower beam for securing a panel. The upper and the side beams each includes three flat surfaces intersected with each other. A mortise is formed in each of the flat surfaces. The upper and the side beams each includes two side portions each having a channel for engaging with screws so as to attach accessories to the beams. The upper and the side beams each includes a groove for engaging with the panel. A number of angles are secured to the beams so as to couple the beams together. A number of tenons are engaged with the mortises so as to couple the beams together.

Abstract: A construction assembly for attaching thin panels to a support frame. An elongate base strip suitable for attachment to a support frame. Two walls extending from the bases strip define a slot, one of the walls having plural teeth. A mating cover strip has a flexible projecting wall with plural teeth on one side facing the teeth of the slot but fewer in number. The cover strip and elongate base have thin panel support walls facing each other. The flexible projecting wall bends on a fulcrum attached to one of the second wall and the flexible projecting wall, such that upon insertion of the flexible projecting wall into the slot, the teeth are urged towards each other to grip a panel in the slot.